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that the reason I'm going through some tough times right now is because I have depression and BPD, not because I'm yielding to Satan or not relying on the grace of God enough?

2007-03-29 18:40:25 · 22 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

22 answers

Some churches are like that. If you're suffering depression and BPD (bipolar right) and they're telling you it's because you're not faithful enough then I would seriously consider changing churches. Most Christians I know recognize that it's the result of a chemical imbalance, not demons. (You are seeing a mental health professional right?)

I suffered through an experience similar to yours. I went to a Christian college and became seriously depressed (suicidal). When I went to the school's counselors I was told that it was because I wasn't praying enough. My depression got worse and I dropped out of school. I later went to a cognitive behavior therapist and got treatment and boy did that help.

Depression is like any other illness. Prayer helps yes. Relying on God is always a good thing to do. But just like you wouldn't try to treat cancer with prayer alone (I hope), earthly medicine is a fantastic thing.

A lot of people, even these days, don't understand how debilitating depression is. It is still largely perceived to be a character flaw as opposed to an illness, this is probably the mindset of the people giving you a hard time. Feel free to educate them on the nature of the illness.

If you church (especially the elders) can't or won't understand this, then it's up to you to decide if it's worth it to educate your fellow church-goers or if you want to find a new church.

I wish I could do more to help you. Try not to let other people's ignorance get to you on a personal level.

EDIT:
OK, for those of you who are saying that depression is demonic / possession / a lack of faith . . . (4Him, Bestlggs - I'm eyeballing you) I officially give you all the great big slap across the face I should have given that counselor. Depression is not something you can pray away and it is NOT the sign of a weak Christian. I'm gonna stop writing now before I start spitting acid.

2007-03-29 19:02:05 · answer #1 · answered by LX V 6 · 1 0

Emotional struggles, even those caused by chemical imbalances within the body, are difficult for some people to understand. It might seem that spiritual struggles would be likewise intangible, but many well-meaning church people were raised hearing about matters of the spirit, while emotional difficulties are a relatively new and not well understood concept (even for professionals within the field).

First, I would suggest that you accept the fact that the people at your church undoubtedly mean well. Be intentional about letting go of any resentments that you may have acquired while trying to deal with members of your church. That doesn't mean that you have to accept what they are saying... just accept their good intentions. Pray for the ability to forgive, if you are having trouble with doing so easily.

Next, you can try educating a few folks at a time about your condition. Pick some close friends, or people within the church that you really trust. Share with them the process you have gone through in obtaining your diagnosis. Give them time to digest it, and the opportunity to discuss it with you. Answer their questions.

Finally, share with those trusted church friends a bit of your frustration with the resistance that other people in the church have continued to exhibit regarding your medical condition. Allow them to become your advocates.

This will take time, patience, and faith. But I would venture to say that it has a very good possibility of working. If not, then maybe it's time to look for a church that will be a bit more open-minded.

2007-03-30 02:11:27 · answer #2 · answered by cherochap 3 · 0 0

I feel sorry for you. I've dealt with one case, and seriously, I would have thought she was possessed if I didn't know she had BPD. Honestly, don't stop taking your meds. This is the way truly insane people behave.

Went to fix her furnace, and technician accidentally knocked down a keychain. The house was piled with junk he could hardly move around his tool pouch.

After three days we got a very interesting letter from this person. I am not a psychologist, but even I could see that she was not right in the head when she wrote it. She was extremely disturbed and agitated. She went on and on about her keychains and how rude the technician was (he made one comment about the junk, something along the lines of "you could make a killing on ebay with all this stuff" in a jolly manner).

If you are anything like that please please take care of yourself and don't let things bother you to such a point that you can no longer function as a human being. Get help.

2007-03-30 02:07:15 · answer #3 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 0 0

I think if you are going to an understanding church they would have some feelings and want to help you. If they can't understand and want to help you through your problems and understand you are going to get help from God, I would find a different church to go to. Because most christians I know like to help people all they can instead of judge them because only God can judge people.Matthew 7:1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged

2007-03-30 01:56:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Ah! Short of displaying your medical reports prominently like an albatross around your neck, or Being extra generous when they pass the plate, and loudly proclaiming to ppl around you that you gave $500 cos you are going through bad times and want to improve your karma, I don't see how you can convince people that you are not going Satanic.

Perhaps you could go to church and pray everyday?

But why this need to to prove your faith to them? They should not be judging you, right?

2007-03-30 01:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by shrek 5 · 0 0

Get medical records. They have no business, no right to tell you that you are sinning. Didn't Christ say "Let he who hath no sin cast the first stone"? They are being hypocrites. And that is sin. And didn't the disciples think that the blind man was being cursed because of the sins of his parents. They were wrong and so are the members of your congregation. Tell them that they have no grounds to make that claim. Recount the story of the harlot being stoned by the people. Ask them when the last time was that they were perfect. Answering would be prideful and that's a sin, right?

2007-03-30 01:52:19 · answer #6 · answered by wolfseeker 1 · 0 0

Remind them that Job went through tought times because of Satan and circumstances DESPITE trusting God.
Tell them you need support not condemnation.

Also, try to understand where they're coming from. It'll make what they say easier to understand. They mean well, I'm hoping.

Sometimes bad things happen but good news is we all pull through. Job sure did.

2007-03-30 01:52:50 · answer #7 · answered by Studier Alpha 3 · 0 0

Very good question. How important is it to you that they understand you? Because you might be dealing with a gulf of understanding here that may not easily be breached. If your churchgoing friends are determined to see emotional and mental issues only in terms of superstition and fairy tales, then you might have a problem.

Perhaps you'd be less depressed if the people who mattered to you had a more reality-based worldview?

2007-03-30 01:44:07 · answer #8 · answered by grammartroll 4 · 2 0

I have to agree with Bestlggs, about a positive attitude. Christians can be depressed at times. But, don't submit to Satan by accepting illnesses. Remember that you have power through the Holy Spirit over Satan, demons, illnesses and death. You belong to Jesus. Pray, Pray, Pray. God bless.

2007-03-30 02:06:16 · answer #9 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 0 2

You would do well to find a group of others who have experienced these problems, some type of group counseling or something like that. There are also on line groups, chat rooms and such that will help you realize that you aren't alone. You don't need condemnation you need understanding and dialog.

2007-03-30 01:50:54 · answer #10 · answered by yuvid6 4 · 0 0

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